Prospective exhibitors at the 21st Enugu International Trade Fair have expressed disappointment with the ‘’slow pace’’ of preparations by the organisers.

Some of the exhibitors who spoke with The Tide’s source in Enugu alleged that the organisers started preparations for the event very late.

They added that the situation would put undue pressure on the participants.

The fair starts on March 21,

One of the participants, Chief Charles Mouka, the Managing Director of Charliemok Nig. Ltd, an engineering company, said the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agrculture (ECCIMA) should have concluded work on the venue by now.

“This level of preparation is unacceptable. This is ought to be an international event and ECCIMA is still doing earth work and fencing, few days to the kick off.

“We expected tremendous improvement in our system rather than the fire brigade approach all the time,’’ Mouka said.

Another participant, who sought anonymity, complained that the marking of the spaces for shops was done late, adding that his company expected to see finished structures on arrival from the Kaduna trade fair.

But the Director-General of ECCIMA, Emeka Okereke, said the comments did not reflect the position on ground at the fair.

Acknowledging that the chambers had a challenge fixing the fair venue for this year’s activities, Okereke said everything possible would be done to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

He called on the Federal Government to complete the infrastructure at the fair arena or hand it over to corporate bodies.

‘’The early completion of the project will enhance the quick hosting of the event every year like that of Kaduna,” he said.

The DG said all standing committees for the fair were already recording breakthroughs in their sections.

When The Tide source visited the venue, it was found that some earth work and electrification work were going on.